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About Des Plaines.

Des Plaines is a leader among Chicago’s northwest suburbs, even being nicknamed the “City of Destiny.” With a unique history and an incredible variety of educational institutions, park districts, shopping, entertainment and residential opportunities, Des Plaines is an excellent choice for any stage of life.

Information

Population (2000):
58,720 people
22,362 households
15,071 families

29.1% of households had children under the age of 18 living with them
54.8% of households were married couples living together
9.0% of households had a female householder with no husband present
32.6% of households were non-families
28.5% of households were made up of individuals
13.3% of households had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older

The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.21.

The median income for a household in the village was $53,638 and the median income for a family was $65,806. About 3.0% of families and 4.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.8% of those under age 18 and 4.8% of those aged 65 or over.

History

Des Plaines’ proximity to the Des Plaines River Valley gives this area a long and rich history. The Potawatomi, Ottawa and Chippewa Native American tribes lived in this area even before the Europeans arrived. After the Treaty of Chicago in 1833, settlers from the east coast and German immigrants began arriving to the area. However, it was the railroad companies that named the area’s station ‘Des Plaines’ that really established the region.

The Village of Des Plaines was incorporated in 1869, and the village saw a population boom following the end of World War II and the development of Chicago-O’Hare International Airport at Orchard Place.

Real Estate

Des Plaines has been a great location for single-family homes since the 1940s, offering great neighborhoods for families. However, within the last ten year, townhomes have become popular draws.

Condominiums in the village’s new downtown area have also become extremely popular, offering commuters the chance to walk to the train.

Transportation

Des Plaines is criss-crossed by major expressways, bus services and rail services. And with one of the country’s largest airports located just a few miles away, Des Plaines is accessible from anywhere in Chicagoland and the world.

Schools

Des Plaines offers over a dozen school options from four school districts for residence, many of which have been nationally acclaimed.

Entertainment

The new Des Plaines Public Library building provides a constant stream of events for residents to enjoy. These events include family game nights, story time, lectures, informational seminars and demonstrations from outside groups.

Residents wait all year for the Mystic Waters water park to open its doors. Water slides, a lazy river, multiple pools and the Island Café are just a few of the draws.

Residents and guests can visit the McDonald’s Museum, a reconstruction of the first ever McDonald’s restaurant built by founder Ray Kroc.

Restaurants

The Tiki Terrace, 1591 Lee St, (847) 795-8454
This restaurant, Tiki bar and entertainment venue draws crowds from all over Chicagoland. Guests enjoy a variety of dishes from the Polynesian Islands and Pan-Asian cuisine, as well as tropical cocktails. The stunning atmosphere only enhances the Polynesian review show on the center stage of the dining room.

The Choo Choo, 600 Lee St, (847) 391-9815
The Choo Choo has been a Des Plaines stable since 1951, serving meals from a toy train wrapped around the diner’s counter. The restaurant has been a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Charcoal Delights, 1090 Oakton St, (847) 803-2777
Charcoal Delights has been using the old fashioned, charcoal barbecue cooking process for over 20 years. The restaurants burgers, chicken, steaks and other dishes are famous for being homemade and very popular among locals.

Festivals/Parks

Des Plaines boasts over 35 park sites and over 73 acres for fishing. The village also has three swimming pools, ice skating and various bike trails. Lake Park is also a great place to enjoy a picnic, rent paddleboats, fish, take sailing lessons or play golf on the 18-hole course.